The 5 Best Cannabis Terpenes for Anxiety

In the past year, 40 million people in the United States have faced some type of anxiety disorder. For many, relief lies in the cannabis plant - in particular, the cannabinoids and terpenes it contains. 

Keep reading to learn more about the potential benefits of terpenes, CBD, and cannabis for your mental health.  

Key takeaways

• THC and CBD products can be helpful in providing relief from anxiety symptoms.
• Terpenes are responsible for the tastes and aromas of cannabis strains, which can influence the overall experience.
• Terpenes contain mood-enhancing and anti-anxiety properties among their therapeutic benefits. They're often used for stress relief and anti-inflammatory properties.
• The best terpenes for anxiety include limonene, myrcene, linalool, and humulene.

See Related: Does CBD Help With Nausea? What the Science Says

What are terpenes?

If you have ever considered cannabis as a way to manage anxiety, you may have heard of terpenes.

Terpenes are the natural chemical compounds that give cannabis plants their unique aromas and flavors. They work hand-in-hand with other compounds to create effects and influence the overall experience of consuming cannabis. 

There are currently tens of thousands of known terpene compounds found throughout the plant kingdom. More than 200 different terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant alone. 

In addition to influencing the smell and taste of cannabis and other products, these aromatic compounds can serve other purposes. For example, they can help protect plants from insects and other threats. They can also be found in essential oils and personal care products, promoting relaxation and helping to produce a calming effect.

While hundreds of terpenes exist in cannabis, many of these exist in low concentrations. Familiarizing yourself with the most effective terpenes can help you make the best decisions when it comes to THC and CBD treatments.

How may terpenes alleviate anxiety?

Increased heart rate, shortness of breath, and fatigue are all known symptoms associated with anxiety. These physical symptoms can cause great distress in many people.

Terpenes found in medical cannabis may help alleviate anxiety through their interactions with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors and neurotransmitter system. This enables these aromatic compounds to modulate things like mood, pain perception, and stress response through their interactions with serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). 

Although terpenes don’t bind directly to the body’s main cannabinoid receptors in the same way THC does, certain terpenes can bind to CB2 receptors. This can aid in mood regulation and reducing inflammation associated with stress. 

They can also help address other psychological symptoms commonly associated with anxiety. These symptoms can be debilitating for those dealing with anxiety and other mental health issues.

Some of the most common psychological symptoms associated with anxiety include:

• Excessive worry
• Fear of impending doom
• Irritability and restlessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feeling tense

Whether to soothe anxiety, reduce stress, or induce relaxation, terpenes' therapeutic properties are helping many individuals with anxiety management and other mental health conditions.

Types of anxiety disorders that terpenes may help treat

From therapy and self-soothing techniques to terpenes found in THC and CBD products, there are several ways to help individuals cope with symptoms of anxiety.

Some of the anxiety disorders cannabis may help treat include Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Bonus: THCa vs THC: Which Is Stronger?

What terpenes are good for anxiety relief?

Many of the aromatic compounds found in today's cannabis strains are helpful for potentially altering mood, improving mental clarity, and promoting relaxation and calming properties.

When managing anxiety, it is useful to understand the best terpenes for anxiety and how their sedative properties and other characteristics can help alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety.

While certain cannabis strains can be extremely beneficial for helping to reduce anxiety levels, other strains, especially in high doses, may contain stimulating effects. For some, this may trigger psychoactive effects that may worsen anxiety symptoms.

But by choosing the right cannabis and marijuana strains and terpenes for anxiety, you can manage stress and enjoy cannabis' sedative qualities.

Some of the best calming terpenes for anxiety include:

Limonene

Limonene is a naturally occurring cyclic monoterpene that can be found in essential oils of pine needles, citrus fruits, and other plants.

Known in the cannabis world for its strong citrus taste and aroma, limonene is commonly used in cosmetics, cleaning products, and food flavoring.

It is currently being studied for its potential therapeutic benefits, with its pleasant scent and other properties helping in reducing anxiety. 

Myrcene

Myrcene is the most abundant terpene found in today’s commercial cannabis products.

According to a study by Leafly, myrcene represents over 20% of terpenes in modern commercial cannabis strains.

It is distinguishable by its fruity, earthy, and musky aroma and its anti-inflammatory and sedative effects. 

Myrcene levels can be an indicator of whether a strain will have “indica” or “sativa” effects.

For example, strains with more than 0.5% myrcene by weight may produce more relaxing “indica” effects, while strains with less than 0.5% myrcene by weight will produce energizing “sativa” effects. 

As far as physical effects, myrcene has a long history of use as a sleep aid, with myrcene-rich lemongrass-infused tea carrying sedative effects and muscle relaxant properties.

Myrcene has even been shown to block cancer-causing effects of aflatoxins, which are produced by fungi and can sometimes be present in our food. 

Linalool

A naturally occurring terpene alcohol, linalool offers a light, floral-woody aroma containing notes of citrus and spice.

It is a common ingredient in perfumes, aromatherapy, and personal care products due to its calming, anti-inflammatory properties. 

In addition to its calming anti-anxiety effects, linalool offers natural antibacterial benefits and can act as an insecticide, targeting fruit flies, fleas, and cockroaches. 

Humulene

Found in cannabis, sage, and hops, humulene is a terpene most commonly known for its woody, earthy aroma, containing herbaceous and subtle spicy notes.

It contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects that may be helpful in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

Some research suggests humulene contains anti-allergic and anti-asthmatic properties. 

Unlike THC, humulene is not psychoactive. Instead, it offers various functions such as acting as an appetite suppressant, which may potentially promote weight loss. 

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is a terpene found in cannabis, black pepper, and cloves.

This spicy-smelling terpene binds to the body’s CB2 receptors, offering anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects.

It also carries potential gastroprotective benefits and the ability to protect brain cells.

How can terpenes affect the physical symptoms of anxiety?

Beyond the psychoactive effects that help relieve anxiety and reduce stress, different cannabis compounds and cannabis strains contain anti-inflammatory properties that can show potential in alleviating the symptoms associated with anxiety.

Various cannabis strains also have the potential to treat certain symptoms of the human body, from anxiety to chronic pain.

And, when it comes to anxiety, certain terpenes may also help with improving cognitive function and can even improve sleep quality.

Some of the most common physical symptoms associated with anxiety include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Muscle tension
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Headaches
• Nausea/upset stomach
• Tremors
• Fatigue
• Dizziness/lightheadedness

While many enjoy the euphoric effects and mood enhancement properties of cannabis, others rely on the natural compounds in cannabis for their anti-anxiety effects and their ability to calm anxious behaviors.

Other therapeutic uses for medical cannabis

The cannabis plant's therapeutic properties go beyond treating anxiety.

In addition to managing anxiety, there are various other therapeutic uses for medical cannabis.

Although research into terpenes’ medical properties is ongoing, several studies suggest potential health benefits, including:

• Anti-inflammatory: Can help reduce inflammation associated with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis. 
• Antibacterial/antifungal: Many studies have shown that certain terpenes exhibit antimicrobial properties.
• Anticancer: Certain studies show a link between terpenes and anti-tumor activity.
• Neuroprotective: Some studies suggest certain terpenes can support brain health and may have potential for treating some neurological conditions.

Best terpenes for better rest

Some terpenes contain sedative effects, helping them to address insomnia and other sleep disorders. While certain terpenes show great potential for reducing anxiety, some terpenes also show promise in helping with other health struggles, such as insomnia. 

The following terpenes may be able to help you enjoy better-quality sleep:

Terpinolene: This terpene is found in tea tree oil, nutmeg, and certain cannabis strains. With its mild calming effect, terpinolene can help quiet racing thoughts that often prevent good-quality sleep.

Phytol: Found in plants like jasmine, this terpene promotes drowsiness by activating the brain’s GABA system. It can also help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.  

Nerolidol: An earthy, wood terpene, nerolidol is found in plants like ginger and may promote more restful sleep by modulating the brain’s GABA system. 

What is the “entourage effect”? 

The entourage effect is the term used to describe the theory that various cannabis compounds work synergistically to be more effective. 

Terpenes can enhance the effects of cannabinoids, such as intensifying the psychoactive properties of THC oil or elevating CBD’s anti-anxiety effects.

Another example of the entourage effect can be found in terpenes’ ability to control how much THC crosses the blood-brain barrier. This influences how powerful the “high” may be. 

Conclusion

Mental health is important for our quality of life and our overall well-being.

If you are currently trying to combat anxiety and achieve mental clarity, anti-anxiety terpenes found in certain cannabis strains and CBD or THC products may help.

The cannabis plant's sedative effects and therapeutic, pain-relieving benefits continue to help millions of individuals around the globe.

Keep Reading: How Long Does Weed Last in Saliva? A Quick Guide

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